Wednesday, August 30, 2006
99 gets a better score...
I have been shying away from the local 99 restaurant but after having a few good reports tried the lunch there today. Went with the 6 members of MSG from the gym. We all had a pretty decent lunch.
No appetizers for this crowd; it was straight to the entrees.
There were four orders of the Lobster Roll special [$14.99] which came with French Fries and Coleslaw. Only one went for the full order, the rest substituted a Garden Salad. The salads were quite good-sized and fresh. The lobster had not been caught that day [like at Abbot's in Noank] but the price was right.
Two other entrees were: Lemon Crusted Salmon and Cape Cod Seafood Trio [both at $11.49 each]. These were both enjoyed and looked good.
Two desserts with lots of sharing: Milkyway Madness and Apple Pie Fortune [$4.49 each]. Yummy but very sweet.
bloginfo: 99 Restaurant is at 36 Shunpike Road in Cromwell, CT across from the Stop and Shop.
blognotes: Carrie waited on our table and she did a great job of putting up with us.
Restaurant was quite crowded with a birthday party of 25!
No appetizers for this crowd; it was straight to the entrees.
There were four orders of the Lobster Roll special [$14.99] which came with French Fries and Coleslaw. Only one went for the full order, the rest substituted a Garden Salad. The salads were quite good-sized and fresh. The lobster had not been caught that day [like at Abbot's in Noank] but the price was right.
Two other entrees were: Lemon Crusted Salmon and Cape Cod Seafood Trio [both at $11.49 each]. These were both enjoyed and looked good.
Two desserts with lots of sharing: Milkyway Madness and Apple Pie Fortune [$4.49 each]. Yummy but very sweet.
bloginfo: 99 Restaurant is at 36 Shunpike Road in Cromwell, CT across from the Stop and Shop.
blognotes: Carrie waited on our table and she did a great job of putting up with us.
Restaurant was quite crowded with a birthday party of 25!
Good food at the Pond House
Very nice dinner last night at the Pond House at Elizabeth Park before the Theater Work's presentation of Finn's 'Make Me a Song'
Brought a bottle of Gatao Vino Verde [corkage fee of $5]
Four of us split two appetizers: Roasted Pepper Salad and a Watermelon Tomato Salad. Both were excellent.
My entree was Tandoori Lamb over a Raisun and Nut Risotto. The lamb was prepared medium-rare [as requested] and was spiced beautifullly. The risotto was a dream come true.
Other entrees were: Asian Salmon Salad over Soba Noodles, Cheeseburger on a Kaiser Roll with Avacado and a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Vegetarian Noodle Salad.
The desserts looked terrific but we didn't indulge.
I definitely shall return!
blognote: the waitstaff is very proficient, the room is well decorated and the view is Hartford's version of Monet's Giverny.
bloginfo: Pond House, 1555 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT
www.pondhousecafe.com
860.231.8823
Tuesday-Saturday 11 to 2:30 and 5 to 9
Sunday Brunch 10 to 2:30
Brought a bottle of Gatao Vino Verde [corkage fee of $5]
Four of us split two appetizers: Roasted Pepper Salad and a Watermelon Tomato Salad. Both were excellent.
My entree was Tandoori Lamb over a Raisun and Nut Risotto. The lamb was prepared medium-rare [as requested] and was spiced beautifullly. The risotto was a dream come true.
Other entrees were: Asian Salmon Salad over Soba Noodles, Cheeseburger on a Kaiser Roll with Avacado and a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Vegetarian Noodle Salad.
The desserts looked terrific but we didn't indulge.
I definitely shall return!
blognote: the waitstaff is very proficient, the room is well decorated and the view is Hartford's version of Monet's Giverny.
bloginfo: Pond House, 1555 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT
www.pondhousecafe.com
860.231.8823
Tuesday-Saturday 11 to 2:30 and 5 to 9
Sunday Brunch 10 to 2:30
Monday, August 28, 2006
Casino again...
Ate at Uncas Grille at Mohegan Sun again...
Ordered from the Appetizer section of the menu: Lobster Bisque [$5.95] and Fried Oysters [$9.95] and a small Pelligrino [$2.95]
Before the meal you are offered a cornucopia of mini-breads: Focaccia, Corn Muffins, Biscuits and a dish of Succotash. All very good.
The Lobster Bisque was rich and creamy with a reasonable amount of lobster shreds. The three fried oysters were each perched on a round of excellent spiced and toasted bread. Each was then topped with a portion of spaghetti squash which was a nice contrast of texture: soft to crunchy. The plate was then adorned with fried 'grass' of some sort and a pungent jelly. Very artistic plating.
Just enough food to pretend you were still on your diet!
bloginfo: www.mohegansuncasino for menus and such
Ordered from the Appetizer section of the menu: Lobster Bisque [$5.95] and Fried Oysters [$9.95] and a small Pelligrino [$2.95]
Before the meal you are offered a cornucopia of mini-breads: Focaccia, Corn Muffins, Biscuits and a dish of Succotash. All very good.
The Lobster Bisque was rich and creamy with a reasonable amount of lobster shreds. The three fried oysters were each perched on a round of excellent spiced and toasted bread. Each was then topped with a portion of spaghetti squash which was a nice contrast of texture: soft to crunchy. The plate was then adorned with fried 'grass' of some sort and a pungent jelly. Very artistic plating.
Just enough food to pretend you were still on your diet!
bloginfo: www.mohegansuncasino for menus and such
Culinary Notes On Quebec City
Casse-Crepe Breton
rue Saint-Jean, 1136
Crepe avec Asperges, Champignons et Fromage
[a Asparagus, Mushroom, Cheese Crepe]
with Cider for 12.82$CD
La Table du Manoir
Dining Room of the Hotel Manoir Victoria
Duo Saumon Plate
Cantaloupe Soupe Froide
Filet de Veau aux Foies Gras
Creme Brulee
Un verre du vin Syrrah
Only charge was the wine as this was part of our hotel package
Breakfast at Saint-James Resto
Also part of our hotel package
Breakfast Buffet: Croissant, Fruit, Juices, Bacon, Sausages, Eggs Benedict, Crepes, French Toast, Baked Beans and Creton [a homemade Pork Spread]
Aux Anciens Canadiens
rue Saint-Louis
Second most photographed site in Vieux Quebec
14.95$CD fixed price lunch
Beer or Wine
Corn Soup
Tourtiere [Canadian Pork Pie] or
Meat Pie aux Gibiers [game]
Sugar Pie or Fresh Raspberries & Blueberries in English Cream
Saint-Patrick's Pub on rue Saint-Jean
'Snack' of Giant Nachos and a pitcher of House Amber Beer
Paillard Bakery and Ice Cream Shop
Our view from our hotel rooms looking down onto rue Saint-Jean
Panna Cotta and Pistachio Ice Creams
with a Chocolate Mini-Macaroon
Lulnch at Le Cafe du Campanile
at the Musee de la Civilisation
Sandwiches, Salads and Coffee [good cheap museum food]
Le Petit Chateau on rue Saint-Louis
Un demi-pichet du cidre
Raclette [Gruyere, Potatoes, Cured Beef, Gherkins and Onions cooked the authentic way on the cheese melter] for two and Boeuf Bourguignon pour moi
Desserts were my Crepe aux Beurre d'Erable [maple butter] for me and a split Ice Cream with Maple Cream for them
and Anthony's in Saint Johnsbury, VT on the way home
Bacon Cheeseburger with the best French Fries in the world, Clam Strips and Fish and Chips
Back later for Strawberry Sour Cream Crumble Pie.
rue Saint-Jean, 1136
Crepe avec Asperges, Champignons et Fromage
[a Asparagus, Mushroom, Cheese Crepe]
with Cider for 12.82$CD
La Table du Manoir
Dining Room of the Hotel Manoir Victoria
Duo Saumon Plate
Cantaloupe Soupe Froide
Filet de Veau aux Foies Gras
Creme Brulee
Un verre du vin Syrrah
Only charge was the wine as this was part of our hotel package
Breakfast at Saint-James Resto
Also part of our hotel package
Breakfast Buffet: Croissant, Fruit, Juices, Bacon, Sausages, Eggs Benedict, Crepes, French Toast, Baked Beans and Creton [a homemade Pork Spread]
Aux Anciens Canadiens
rue Saint-Louis
Second most photographed site in Vieux Quebec
14.95$CD fixed price lunch
Beer or Wine
Corn Soup
Tourtiere [Canadian Pork Pie] or
Meat Pie aux Gibiers [game]
Sugar Pie or Fresh Raspberries & Blueberries in English Cream
Saint-Patrick's Pub on rue Saint-Jean
'Snack' of Giant Nachos and a pitcher of House Amber Beer
Paillard Bakery and Ice Cream Shop
Our view from our hotel rooms looking down onto rue Saint-Jean
Panna Cotta and Pistachio Ice Creams
with a Chocolate Mini-Macaroon
Lulnch at Le Cafe du Campanile
at the Musee de la Civilisation
Sandwiches, Salads and Coffee [good cheap museum food]
Le Petit Chateau on rue Saint-Louis
Un demi-pichet du cidre
Raclette [Gruyere, Potatoes, Cured Beef, Gherkins and Onions cooked the authentic way on the cheese melter] for two and Boeuf Bourguignon pour moi
Desserts were my Crepe aux Beurre d'Erable [maple butter] for me and a split Ice Cream with Maple Cream for them
and Anthony's in Saint Johnsbury, VT on the way home
Bacon Cheeseburger with the best French Fries in the world, Clam Strips and Fish and Chips
Back later for Strawberry Sour Cream Crumble Pie.
Culinary Notes On Montreal
Panier de l'Europe
382 rue Principale
3 Croque Madame [a Croque Monsieur (Ham and Gruyere Panini) with a fried egg on top
7.85$CD [+coffee]
Restaurant le Fripon [outdoor cafe]
Saumon Burger [not the squished up reformed fish patty but a good slab of fresh salmon
and Frites [the real French Fries
Moules [mussels] and Frites
Quiche and Frites
3 beers [Molson]
Chez Cora [in Longueil]
a breakfast chain on the Blvd. Roland-Therrier
The Special Cora: Ham, Sausage, Bacon, 2 eggs, Toast, Homefries a Crepe [and lots of fruit]
and Coffee for 8.75$CD
Second Visit: Brioche, Fruit and 2 Eggs and Coffee
Deli 12 Special
rue Notre Dame, corner of St. Jean-Baptiste
Smoked Meat Sandwich Plate for 6.95$CD
Huge sandwich of Smoked Meat [Pastrami] with Fries, Slaw & Pickle
Aux Delices
rue Saint-Paul
Une coupe avec deux boules [two scoops in a cup]
Mocha and Kiwi Ice Cream for 4.85$CD
382 rue Principale
3 Croque Madame [a Croque Monsieur (Ham and Gruyere Panini) with a fried egg on top
7.85$CD [+coffee]
Restaurant le Fripon [outdoor cafe]
Saumon Burger [not the squished up reformed fish patty but a good slab of fresh salmon
and Frites [the real French Fries
Moules [mussels] and Frites
Quiche and Frites
3 beers [Molson]
Chez Cora [in Longueil]
a breakfast chain on the Blvd. Roland-Therrier
The Special Cora: Ham, Sausage, Bacon, 2 eggs, Toast, Homefries a Crepe [and lots of fruit]
and Coffee for 8.75$CD
Second Visit: Brioche, Fruit and 2 Eggs and Coffee
Deli 12 Special
rue Notre Dame, corner of St. Jean-Baptiste
Smoked Meat Sandwich Plate for 6.95$CD
Huge sandwich of Smoked Meat [Pastrami] with Fries, Slaw & Pickle
Aux Delices
rue Saint-Paul
Une coupe avec deux boules [two scoops in a cup]
Mocha and Kiwi Ice Cream for 4.85$CD
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Taste of Hartford #2
Second Taste of Hartford visit was to Vaughan's on Pratt Street. Went there before the 'Monsieur Chopin' performance by Hershy Felder at Hartford Stage.
Started with a Harp's Ale and the House Pub Salad, a nice assortment of veggies with Hard Boiled Egg sections and a tasty Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.
Entrée choice was the Meatloaf Dinner. This consisted of two grilled slices of Meatloaf covered with melted Cheddar and sitting in a nice pool of Gravy. Mashed Potatoes had been piped atop the pile of Meatloaf and a large portion of steamed Broccoli finished the plate.
Dessert was billed as the World Famous Guinness Brownie. I don't know if it is really world famous but it sure is huge. The dense fudgy Brownie was topped with a large scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and adorned with fresh Whipped Cream and Hot Fudge sauce. I didn't even finish the dessert!
blognote: This was another $20.06 offering and the bill came to $26.30 before the tip. The pint of Harp was $4.75 and they didn't charge for the coffee.
bloginfo: Vaughan's is located at 59 Pratt Street. Telephone: 860.882.1560
www.irishpublichouse.com
Started with a Harp's Ale and the House Pub Salad, a nice assortment of veggies with Hard Boiled Egg sections and a tasty Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.
Entrée choice was the Meatloaf Dinner. This consisted of two grilled slices of Meatloaf covered with melted Cheddar and sitting in a nice pool of Gravy. Mashed Potatoes had been piped atop the pile of Meatloaf and a large portion of steamed Broccoli finished the plate.
Dessert was billed as the World Famous Guinness Brownie. I don't know if it is really world famous but it sure is huge. The dense fudgy Brownie was topped with a large scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and adorned with fresh Whipped Cream and Hot Fudge sauce. I didn't even finish the dessert!
blognote: This was another $20.06 offering and the bill came to $26.30 before the tip. The pint of Harp was $4.75 and they didn't charge for the coffee.
bloginfo: Vaughan's is located at 59 Pratt Street. Telephone: 860.882.1560
www.irishpublichouse.com
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Taste of Hartford #1
Taste of Hartford was held this week with a $20.06 menu at many area restaurants. This did not include the tax, tip or beverages.
Tonight was Max DownTown in the old Frank's Restaurant location on Asylum Street in Hartford.
Choice of Rolls: Sourdough or Three Grain? Like one of each, duh! Two Pinot Grigot [one per customer!] and a glass of Shiraz.
Max's Chopped Salad with Gorgonzola Cheese for all [Carmen Anthony outdoes Max on this one as does the TowerHouse in Miami (but that's another story)].
One different entrée for each person at our table. Ginger Tea Crusted Atlantic Salmon [ordered and served medium] with Forest Mushrooms, Asparagus and Hearts of Palm Sauce. Moroccan Spiced Murray's Chicken with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Picholine Olive, Cured Lemon and Paprika Sauce. I had the Garlic Sautéed Gulf Shrimp over Fresh Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Artichokes, Asparagus Tips in a Garlic Cream Sauce.
We all opted for the same dessert: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulée nicely plated with a Watermelon Wedge and Strawberry, Shortbread and a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookie.
bloginfo: www.maxrestaurantgroup.com
blognotes: Menu was not adventuresome but with three entrées everyone should be able to find something to eat but you might want to jazz things up with a side order or two.
This was, however, quite inexpensive for this restaurant.
Tonight was Max DownTown in the old Frank's Restaurant location on Asylum Street in Hartford.
Choice of Rolls: Sourdough or Three Grain? Like one of each, duh! Two Pinot Grigot [one per customer!] and a glass of Shiraz.
Max's Chopped Salad with Gorgonzola Cheese for all [Carmen Anthony outdoes Max on this one as does the TowerHouse in Miami (but that's another story)].
One different entrée for each person at our table. Ginger Tea Crusted Atlantic Salmon [ordered and served medium] with Forest Mushrooms, Asparagus and Hearts of Palm Sauce. Moroccan Spiced Murray's Chicken with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Picholine Olive, Cured Lemon and Paprika Sauce. I had the Garlic Sautéed Gulf Shrimp over Fresh Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Artichokes, Asparagus Tips in a Garlic Cream Sauce.
We all opted for the same dessert: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulée nicely plated with a Watermelon Wedge and Strawberry, Shortbread and a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookie.
bloginfo: www.maxrestaurantgroup.com
blognotes: Menu was not adventuresome but with three entrées everyone should be able to find something to eat but you might want to jazz things up with a side order or two.
This was, however, quite inexpensive for this restaurant.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Chamoro Pibil
Amazing meal tonight at Puerto Vallarta [the one in Cromwell, CT that just reopened after the fire.] There are two other Puerto Vallarta restaurants: Middletown and West Hartford.
Anyway, I ordered the Chamoro Pibil which reminded me of the food on Guam [Chamorro, get it?]. This was a Lamb Shank cooked in Banana Leaves [yes, real ones]. The Lamb was super tender and was served with White Rice [tiny grained with Bay Leaves imbedded in the mound], Beans [not refried] and an Avocado dish [not Guacamole] but drenched in Lime Juice. Lots of 'NOTS' here I know; just trying to describe the dish.
The other entrée was Chef Armando's Special Fajitas with Shrimp, Beef and Chicken. Nice full platter of grilled meats, seafood and vegetables. The everpresent Tortillas were fresh and hot. This dish came with Refried Beans, Guacamole and Mexican Rice.
blognote: I had a $6 coupon so the meal turned to be inexpensive as well as delicious.
Anyway, I ordered the Chamoro Pibil which reminded me of the food on Guam [Chamorro, get it?]. This was a Lamb Shank cooked in Banana Leaves [yes, real ones]. The Lamb was super tender and was served with White Rice [tiny grained with Bay Leaves imbedded in the mound], Beans [not refried] and an Avocado dish [not Guacamole] but drenched in Lime Juice. Lots of 'NOTS' here I know; just trying to describe the dish.
The other entrée was Chef Armando's Special Fajitas with Shrimp, Beef and Chicken. Nice full platter of grilled meats, seafood and vegetables. The everpresent Tortillas were fresh and hot. This dish came with Refried Beans, Guacamole and Mexican Rice.
blognote: I had a $6 coupon so the meal turned to be inexpensive as well as delicious.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Tapas [in Elmwood!]
Visited Tapa's in Elmwood for a late lunch. Place certainly looked the same. Lots of interesting lunch choices on the chalkboard. BUT since I am on this diet [of sorts] in preparation for my coming travels, I ordered...
the Soup and Salad Special [$8.95] which consisted of a rather insipid bowl of Gazpacho with four tiny toasted Pita slices and a quite small Greek Salad. The dressing on the salad was, as usual, quite tasty. At least this had not changed [and the olives and Feta cheese were very good].
blognotes: Also had Strawberry and Lemon Italian Ice [2 scoops for $2.20] at 59er's the UConn Ice Cream Bar on Main Street in West Hartford Center. Sat at one of the three teeny tiny outside tables.
Stay tuned for Vaughan's, Joe Black's and Max Downtown!
the Soup and Salad Special [$8.95] which consisted of a rather insipid bowl of Gazpacho with four tiny toasted Pita slices and a quite small Greek Salad. The dressing on the salad was, as usual, quite tasty. At least this had not changed [and the olives and Feta cheese were very good].
blognotes: Also had Strawberry and Lemon Italian Ice [2 scoops for $2.20] at 59er's the UConn Ice Cream Bar on Main Street in West Hartford Center. Sat at one of the three teeny tiny outside tables.
Stay tuned for Vaughan's, Joe Black's and Max Downtown!
